BREAKING NEWS: Dikken found alive and is in police custody

The man sought in connection with the Granite Falls double homicide that transpired earlier this month was taken into custody on Tuesday, September 17 at approximately 3:00 p.m. at the Renville County Sheriff's Office in Olivia, according to a press release from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS).

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By Scott TedrickNews Editor

Granite Falls Advocate Tribune

By Scott TedrickNews Editor

Posted Sep. 17, 2013 at 8:24 PM

By Scott TedrickNews Editor
Posted Sep. 17, 2013 at 8:24 PM

The man sought in connection with the Granite Falls double homicide that transpired earlier this month was taken into custody on Tuesday, September 17 at approximately 3:00 p.m. at the Renville County Sheriff's Office in Olivia, according to a press release from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS).

"We are greatly relieved to hear of the news," a statement issued by the Kara Monson family reads. "We hope the family of Christopher Panitzke and the Granite Falls community share in our great feeling of relief over Andrew Dikken’s capture."

A warrant was issued for Andrew Dikken, 28, of Granite Falls, formerly of Renville, for the shooting deaths of Kara Ann Monson, 26, of Granite Falls and Christopher Allen Panitzke, 28, Redwood Falls on September 11.

Authorities believe Dikken shot Monson and Panitzke in Monson's Granite Falls home during the early morning hours of September 2. Monson died the day of the shooting while Panitzke would pass six days later on September 8.

According to DPS, Dikken was brought to the Sheriff's Office by family members who had been cooperating with the investigation and related search over the past two weeks. He has since been transported to the Yellow Medicine County Jail in Granite Falls where he is being held pending arraignment in YMC District Court.

"We are prepared for the course of justice and hope justice will be served to Andrew Dikken for his senseless and unwarranted killing of Kara and Christopher," the Monson family statement also said. "His capture is one step toward closure, justice being carried out will be the final."

Last week a $1,000 reward was issued by Crime Stoppers of Minnesota for information leading to the arrest or apprehension of Dikken.

Authorities had said they believed him to be armed and dangerous.

The Granite Falls Police Department is continuing their investigation into the homicides. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting in this active and ongoing investigation.

Memorial funds

Two memorial funds have been established to preserve the memory of Kara Monson as well as benefit her daughter, Poppy.

All proceeds of the “Kara Monson Memorial Fund (at Granite Falls Bank)” will be directed by her immediate family. Donations can be made in person or checks can be sent to: Granite Falls Bank, “Kara Monson Memorial Fund”, 702 Prentice St., Granite Falls, MN 56241. Phone: (320) 564-2111.

All proceeds of the “Kara Monson Memorial Fund (at Citizens Alliance Bank)” will go to Kara's daughter. The fund was established established in honor of Kara by the Yellow Medicine East Class of 1999 with Citizens Alliance Bank. Donations can be made in person or checks can be sent to: Citizens Alliance Bank, “Kara Monson Memorial Fund”, 860 Hwy. 212, P.O. Box 68, Granite Falls, MN 56241. Phone: (320) 564-4522.